Travel: A quick trip to London for all the old tourist reliables

12 Apr 2014

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My friends and I want to get away for a long weekend and have decided to fly over to London and spend three days in the city. We are working with a budget but are still hoping to see some of the main attractions and experience London’s night life. Any recommendations you have on things to do and places to stay would be great!

My friends and I want to get away for a long weekend and have decided to fly over to London and spend three days in the city. We are working with a budget but are still hoping to see some of the main attractions and experience London’s night life. Any recommendations you have on things to do and places to stay would be great!

London is the perfect destination for a quick and fun-filled weekend away. With a wealth of historic attractions throughout the city paired with the fashion, entertainment and culture, London is a hub of activity and has something for all tastes and preferences.

The London Eye is one of the most-visited attractions in London and is a great place to begin your trip. The giant ferris wheel on the South Bank of the river Thames will allow you to get your bearings and take in the expanse of the city. The 32 capsules take people high up over the London skyline and offer unforgettable views of more than 55 of London’s most famous landmarks. The trip around takes approximately 30 minutes and costs £29.50 for an adult but is well worth the cost.

A visit to London would not be complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace. The London residence of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the few working palaces left in the world today. During the summer months, visitors can take a tour through the 19 State Rooms which are at the heart of the palace and decorated with numerous beautiful paintings from the Royal Collection including works by Rembrandt and Rubens. The changing of the Queen’s Guard at the palace is also well worth seeing and takes place daily at 11.30am.

London is home to some of the world’s best museums including the National History Museum, the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum. Contemporary art lovers flock to the Tate Modern on bank of the Thames. This restored power station is home to numerous exhibitions and includes work from artists from across the globe including Pollock, Warhol, Picasso and Rothko.

For some retail therapy, Oxford Street is the destination for all your high street needs. With every name you can think of, you will not be disappointed and are sure to find what you are looking for. For the more vintage inclined, the streets of Camden are lined with small boutique and vintage stores. Brick Lane is another of the city’s best-kept vintage secrets. An afternoon wandering the cobbled streets of Covent Garden should be another stop on your list.

After a full day of sightseeing and shopping, London is full of mouthwatering restaurants with all types of cuisine catered for. Mestizo in Camden serves up amazing Mexican food at extremely reasonable prices in a relaxed lounge-style venue. Beers and cocktails are also great! Honest Burgers in Kings Cross is a great find and serves up an impeccable burger. If you are feeling more oriental, the newly established Sticks ‘n’ Sushi in Covent Garden offers traditional Japanese dining in the heart of London.

Where to stay

The Waldorf Hilton (*****)

Prices start from €310 per room per night on hotels.com

*Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking

The luxurious Waldorf Hilton is neighboured by the city’s beautiful Covent Garden area. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness centre and indoor swimming pool for guests enjoyment. WiFi is also complementary throughout.

Shaftesbury Metropolis London (****)

Prices start from €94 per room per night on hotels.com

*Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking

Ideally located in the Sussex Gardens, this stylish London hotel is within walking distance of Paddington Station making it easily accessible to the entire city. Oxford Street and Marble Arch are in close proximity with guestrooms featuring 32-inch plasma screen TV and free WiFi.

Pembridge Palace Hotel (***)

Prices start from €53 per room per night on Hotels.com

*Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking

Within minutes of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace and Gardens, the Pembridge Palace provides the perfect location for a weekend stay in London. The hotel offers guests complimentary continental breakfast and WiFi and satellite television in all guestrooms.

For more information and travel tips on planning your holiday visit www.Hotels.com or call 1800 55 3338 to wake up happy on your holiday!

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